SAN DIEGO (AP) — A California man has publicly apologized for his connection to a tragic incident at a religious school in Wisconsin, where a 15-year-old girl fatally shot a teacher and classmate. Alexander Paffendorf, appearing in court, expressed readiness to accept consequences for his actions without clarifying what those actions entailed.

Paffendorf's acknowledgment came during a hearing where a judge maintained an order to confiscate his guns and ammunition until April 4. Although he did not provide details, reports indicate that Paffendorf had communicated with Natalie Rupnow, the shooter, about plans to attack a government building using firearms and explosives. This exchange raises serious concerns amidst the aftermath of the December incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where Rubi Patricia Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman, and teacher Erin Michelle West were killed before Rupnow took her own life.

In the wake of the December 16 attack, authorities implemented a restraining order against Paffendorf, 20 at the time, as part of California's gun red flag law. This mandate required him to surrender his firearms to law enforcement. Currently, he has not been charged with any crime related to this case.

During the online court proceedings, Paffendorf dressed formally and expressed his preparedness for a hearing regarding the restraining order. However, San Diego Superior Court Judge Devon Lomayesva opted to postpone discussions after the city attorney revealed that Paffendorf was under criminal investigation. The judge deemed it prudent to delay the hearing due to the ongoing investigations and the absence of legal representation for Paffendorf.

A detective informed the court that the FBI anticipates concluding their investigation within a two- to three-month period. Notably, the restraining order does not specify which governmental facility Paffendorf allegedly planned to target or when his actions might have occurred, nor does it detail the extent of his communications with Rupnow.

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